Design competition for the new big Mini

Design functions for the Centre Rail in the new Mini Countryman and win a trip to the Paris Motor Show.

Mini is introducing a new model to its range. And they’re calling on designers from across the world to design potential tools for the Mini Centre Rail in the new model.

Mini’s new Countryman model will bridge the gap between the classic Mini and a sports activity vehicle. It's the first Mini model to have four doors and the option of all-wheel drive.

The Mini brand’s philosophy of the “creative use of space” will be a key feature in the new Countryman. The Centre Rail runs in a straight line between the seat, linking the front and the back of the interior. This Centre Rail  serves as a multifunctional platform to hold things like iPods, sunglasses, coffee cups and the like. It would also serve as a handy storage space for chargers and other electronic gadgets. The call is out to designers for more nifty prototypes that can be used on the Centre Rail.

Entry to the competition is via Mini’s internet platform, Mini Space (minispace.com). The competition runs until 11 May 2010. The three best ideas will be presented to the public as prototypes at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October. First prize includes a four-day trip to Paris for two people. MacBooks and iPods are some of the other prizes up for grabs.

Mini is introducing a new model to its range. This time they’re threading in untamed territory, almost literally, as one could in an SUV. And they’re calling on designers from across the world to design potential tools for the Mini Centre Rail in the new model.

Mini’s new Countryman model will bridge the gap between the classic Mini and a sports activity vehicle. It’s Mini first model to come out with four doors and the option of all-wheel drive.

The Mini brand’s philosophy of the “creative use of space” will be a key feature in the new Countryman. The Centre Rail runs in a straight line between the seat, linking the front and the back of the interior. This Centre Rail then serves as a multifunctional platform to hold things like iPods, sunglasses, coffee cups and the like. It would also serve as a handy storage space for chargers and other electronic gadgets. The call is on designers for more nifty prototypes that can be used on the Centre Rail.

Entry to the competition is via Mini’s internet platform, Mini Space (minispace.com). Also check it out for more info. The competition runs until 11 May 2010. The three best ideas will be presented to the public as prototypes at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October. First prize includes a four-day trip to Paris for two people. MacBooks and iPods are some of the other prizes up for grabs.